Cosmetic applicator

ABSTRACT

Cosmetic applicators, and methods of making the same, are described. The applicators are selectively scored so as to enable an outer surface layer of the applicator to be removed, e.g., after the outer surface layer has been soiled, thus exposing a new and unsoiled underlying surface layer. The applicators are also selectively scored so as provide handles to allow the user to prevent the soiling of their hands.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The instant application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/498,713 filed Aug. 28, 2003, the entirespecification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to cosmetic applicators and moreparticularly to cosmetic applicators, and methods of making and usingthe same, that are selectively scored so as to provide multipleoperative surfaces, including but not limited to selectively peelablesurface layers, handles, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional cosmetic applicators are typically employed to selectivelyapply cosmetics as well to selectively remove cosmetics. Theseapplicators are sometimes comprised of foam materials that are shapedinto various configurations that are adapted for different applications.

In practice, the applicator is typically used to accumulate a suitableamount of cosmetic material on an outer major surface (i.e., anoperative surface) of the applicator, whereupon the accumulated cosmeticmaterial is then applied by a user or to a subject, e.g., during theapplication of make-up. The soiled applicator is then typically disposedof, as the operative surface is generally saturated with the cosmeticmaterial that was previously applied.

Likewise, when it is desired to remove the cosmetic material from theuser or the subject, a new (i.e., unsoiled) applicator is typically usedto physically remove, typically by wiping, the cosmetic material. Again,the thus soiled applicator is then typically disposed of, as theoperative surface is generally saturated with the cosmetic material thatwas previously wiped off.

The single use nature of conventional cosmetic applicators is extremelywasteful in that it increases consumer's cosmetic supply costs andcontributes to pollution concerns due, in part, to the limited availableoperative surface areas of these applicators.

Accordingly, there exists a desire for new and improved cosmeticapplicators and methods of making and using the same. Additionally,there exists a desire for new and improved cosmetic applicators, andmethods of making and using the same, that selectively provide multipleoperative surfaces. Furthermore, there exists a desire for new andimproved cosmetic applicators, and methods of making and using the same,that are selectively scored so as to provide multiple operativesurfaces, including but not limited to selectively peelable surfacelayers, selectively deployable handles, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention,cosmetic applicators, and methods of making and using the same, areprovided.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a cosmetic applicator comprising a body and at least oneremovable layer adjacent to the body.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a cosmetic applicator comprising a body and at least oneremovable operative surface adjacent the body.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a method for making a cosmetic applicator comprising providinga body. At least one removable layer is provided adjacent to the body.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a method for making a cosmetic applicator comprising providinga body. At least one removable operative surface is provided adjacent tothe body.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a method of using a cosmetic applicator including a base and atleast one removable layer. The method comprises applying a cosmeticmaterial to the removable layer on the applicator. The cosmetic materialis applied on a user. The removable layer is then removed.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a method of using a cosmetic applicator including a base and atleast one removable layer. The method comprises contacting theapplicator with the user to apply a cosmetic material to the removablelayer. The removable layer is then removed.

A further understanding of the present invention will be had in view ofthe description of the drawings and detailed description of theinvention, when viewed in conjunction with the subjoined claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view of a cosmetic applicator, inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of a cosmetic applicator havingcosmetic materials applied thereto, in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of a cosmetic applicator having asoiled surface layer partially removed from the underlying surface, inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of a cosmetic applicator system, inaccordance with a first alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of a first alternative cosmeticapplicator system, in accordance with a second alternative embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of a first alternative cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a third alternative embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view of a second alternative cosmeticapplicator system, in accordance with a fourth alternative embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of a third alternative cosmeticapplicator system, in accordance with a fifth alternative embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of a fourth alternative cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a sixth alternative embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional view of the applicator depicted in FIG.9, wherein the surface layer is partially removed, in accordance with asixth alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of the applicator depicted in FIGS.9 and 10, wherein the underlying surface has been exposed, in accordancewith a sixth alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a sectional view of a fourth alternative cosmeticapplicator system, in accordance with a seventh alternative embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a sectional view of a fifth alternative cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with an eighth alternative embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a sectional view of a sixth alternative cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a ninth alternative embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a sectional view of a seventh alternative cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a tenth alternative embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a sectional view of an eighth alternative cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with an eleventh alternative embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a partial top plan view of a die operable formanufacturing various cosmetic applicators, in accordance with a twelfthalternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a partial top plan view of a kit containing variouscosmetic applicators, in accordance with a thirteenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates a sectional view of an ninth alternative cosmeticapplicator containing a first cosmetic material, in accordance with afourteenth alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates a sectional view of a tenth alternative cosmeticapplicator containing a second cosmetic material, in accordance with afifteenth alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates a sectional view of an eleventh alternative cosmeticapplicator containing both first and second cosmetic materials, inaccordance with a sixteenth alternative embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 22 illustrates a first step in the use of a twelfth alternativecosmetic applicator, in accordance with a seventeenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates a second step in the use of a twelfth alternativecosmetic applicator, in accordance with a seventeenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates a third step in the use of a twelfth alternativecosmetic applicator, in accordance with a seventeenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates a fourth step in the use of a twelfth alternativecosmetic applicator, in accordance with a seventeenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates a fifth step in the use of a twelfth alternativecosmetic applicator, in accordance with a seventeenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 illustrates a sectional view of a thirteenth alternativecosmetic applicator, in accordance with an eighteenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 illustrates a sectional view of the deployment of the handles ofthe applicator depicted in FIG. 27, in accordance with an eighteenthalternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 illustrates a partial elevational view of a user grasping thehandles of the applicator depicted in FIG. 28, in accordance with aneighteenth alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 illustrates a sectional view of a fifth alternative cosmeticapplicator system, in accordance with a nineteenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 illustrates a sectional view of a sixth alternative cosmeticapplicator system, in accordance with a twentieth alternative embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 32 illustrates a sectional view of a fourteenth alternativecosmetic applicator, in accordance with a twenty-first alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 illustrates a sectional view of a seventh alternative cosmeticapplicator system, in accordance with a twenty-first alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 illustrates a sectional view of an eighth alternative cosmeticapplicator system, in accordance with a twenty-first alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 illustrates a partial top plan view of a die operable formanufacturing various cosmetic applicators, in accordance with atwenty-second alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 illustrates a partial top plan view of a kit containing variouscosmetic applicators, in accordance with a twenty-third alternativeembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 illustrates a sectional view of a fifteenth alternative cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a twenty-fourth alternative embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 38 illustrates a sectional view of a ninth alternative cosmeticapplicator system, in accordance with a twenty-fifth alternativeembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 39 illustrates a sectional view of a tenth alternative cosmeticapplicator system, in accordance with a twenty-six alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout thevarious Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter,it is to be understood at the outset that persons of skill in the artmay modify the invention herein described while still achieving thefavorable results of this disclosure. Accordingly, the description thatfollows is to be understood as being a broad teaching disclosuredirected to persons of skill in the appropriate arts, and not aslimiting upon the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator 10,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Although awedge-shaped configuration is shown, it should be appreciated that otherconfigurations may be employed in the practice of the present invention,such as but not limited to ovals, circles, rectangles, squares,parallelograms, cubes, pyramids, cones, frusto-conical shapes, and thelike.

Applicator 10 can be comprised of any number of suitable materials,including but not limited to foams, foam-like materials, and the like.Regardless of the composition of applicator 10, it is preferred toemploy materials that will not harm or damage the user or subject'sskin. Thus, materials that are relatively deformable and/or resilientare preferred. It will be appreciated that all applications andremovable layers set forth herein may comprise any suitable material,such as those set forth above.

Applicator 10 primarily includes a body 12 having at least one outersurface that is intended to function as an operative surface 14. By“operative surface,” as that term is used herein, it is meant to includeany surface that is capable of being used to either apply and/or removecosmetics and the like from the skin of a user or subject.

A nick, perforation, serration, discontinuity, rule, and/or score 16 isprovided along an area below operative surface 14 to define a surfacelayer 18. The intended purpose of score 16 is to provide a method forallowing surface layer 18 to be removed, thus exposing an underlyingsurface 20 (which also is intended to act as an additional operativesurface), the benefit of which will be explained herein. Accordingly,surface layer 18 is said to be peelable, in that it is operable to bepeeled away from underlying surface 20. Score 16 is preferably at leastpartially discontinuous in that the respective adjacent layers shouldnot become completely separated prior to use by the user. Thus, by wayof a non-limiting example, a relatively small amount of material (e.g.,foam) should connect adjacent layers of applicator 10.

In practice, applicator 10 is intended to apply and remove cosmeticmaterials 22 from the skin of the user and/or subject. Toward this end,cosmetic materials 22 are preferably applied, disposed, accumulated, orotherwise placed on operative surface 14, as shown in FIG. 2. Cosmeticmaterials 22 are then preferably applied to the user's/subject's skin,whereupon cosmetics materials 22 tend to soil a substantial portion ofthe surface area of operative surface 14 during the application process.

In order to utilize the remainder of body 12 of applicator 10, surfacelayer 18 is removed (e.g., by peeling or pulling), thus exposing newunsoiled underlying surface 20, as shown in FIG. 3. In this manner,additional and/or different cosmetic materials may be applied tounderlying surface 20, thus allowing the user to gain more efficient andeconomical use of applicator 10.

Likewise, applicator 10 may be employed to remove previously appliedcosmetic materials from the skin of users/subjects. By way of anon-limiting example, unsoiled operative surface 14 is preferably wiped,rubbed or otherwise manipulated against the user's/subject's skin suchthat the cosmetic materials adhere thereto.

Once operative surface 14 becomes soiled by becoming relativelysaturated with the cosmetic materials, surface layer 18 is preferablyremoved, e.g., peeled away, thus exposing new unsoiled underlying layer20. Accordingly, underlying layer 20 is now operable to function as anadditional operative surface. Unsoiled underlying surface 20 ispreferably wiped, rubbed or otherwise manipulated against theuser's/subject's skin such that any remaining cosmetic materials adherethereto. This process may be repeated until the cosmetic materials arecompletely removed.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicatorsystem 100, in accordance with a first alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. It should be appreciated that a die for manufacturingsystem 100 would have a surface configuration substantially identical tothe depiction of FIG. 4.

In this view, two wedge-shaped configurations are shown. It should beappreciated that other configurations may be employed in the practice ofthe present invention, such as but not limited to ovals, circles,rectangles, squares, parallelograms, cubes, pyramids, cones,frusto-conical shapes, and the like.

In this embodiment, system 100 includes “twin” applicators, i.e., afirst applicator 102 and a second applicator 104 that are removablyjoined together along a scored centerline 106. However, as previouslyshown in FIG. 1, each of applicators 102, 104, respectively, areprovided with scores 108, 110, respectively, so as to form surfacelayers 112, 114, respectively. In this manner, the user can convenientlyhave two applicators that are removably joined together, instead ofhaving to carry individual applicators. Thus, the user simply separatesapplicator 102 from applicator 104 by gently tearing along centerline106. The user can then use either applicator 102 and/or applicator 104to either apply and/or remove cosmetic materials, as previouslydescribed. In manufacturing the applicators of the present invention, itis preferred to utilize dies/forms that are capable of producingmultiple sets of applicators, as opposed to repetitively producingindividual applicators.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicatorsheet system 200, in accordance with a second alternative embodiment ofthe present invention. It should be appreciated that a die formanufacturing system 200 would have a surface configurationsubstantially identical to the depiction of FIG. 5.

In this view, a plurality of wedge-shaped configurations is shown. Itshould be appreciated that other configurations may be employed in thepractice of the present invention, such as but not limited to ovals,circles, rectangles, squares, parallelograms, cubes, pyramids, cones,frusto-conical shapes, and the like.

In this embodiment, system 200 includes a sheet 202 consisting of aplurality of twin applicators 204 (similar to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 4) that are removably joined together along a plurality ofhorizontal and vertical scores 206. However, as previously shown inFIGS. 1 and 4, each individual applicator 208 is provided with a score210 so as to form a surface layer 212. In this manner, the user canconveniently have multiple applicators that are removably joinedtogether, instead of having to carry individual or twin applicators.Thus, the user simply separates twin applicator 204 from sheet 202 bygently tearing along the requisite number of scores 206. The twinapplicator 204 can then be further separated into the individualapplicators 208, as previously described. The user can then useapplicator 208 to either apply and/or remove cosmetic materials, aspreviously described. In manufacturing the applicators of the presentinvention, it is preferred to utilize dies/forms that are capable ofproducing large sheets of applicators, as opposed to repetitivelyproducing individual applicators. Alternatively, system 200 can be soldin sheet form to high-volume users of cosmetic applicators, such asmake-up artists, cosmetics salespersons, beauty parlors, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is generally shown a first alternativecosmetic applicator 300, in accordance with a third alternativeembodiment of the present invention. The applicator 300 primarilyincludes a wedge-shaped body portion 302 and a handle portion 304.Optionally, a selectively removable surface layer (not shown) may alsobe provided. In this case, the wedge-shaped portion 302 is intended tofunction as an operative surface for applying/removing the cosmeticmaterials, whereas handle portion 304 is intended to be grasped by theuser to manipulate the applicator 300, as well as to keep the user'shands from becoming soiled with cosmetic materials.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is generally shown a second alternativecosmetic applicator system 400, in accordance with a fourth alternativeembodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that a diefor manufacturing system 400 would have a surface configurationsubstantially identical to the depiction of FIG. 7.

In this embodiment, system 400 includes a sheet 402 consisting of aplurality of applicators 404 (similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG.6) that are removably joined together along a plurality of diagonalscores 406. However, as previously shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, at least oneof individual applicators 404 is provided with a score 408 so as to forma surface layer 410. In this manner, the user can conveniently havemultiple applicators that are removably joined together, instead ofhaving to carry individual or twin applicators. Thus, the user simplyseparates applicator 404 from sheet 402 by gently tearing along therequisite number of scores 406. The user can then use applicator 404 toeither apply and/or remove cosmetic materials, as previously described.In manufacturing the applicators of the present invention, it ispreferred to utilize dies/forms that are capable of producing sheets ofapplicators, and more preferably large sheets of applicators, as opposedto repetitively producing individual applicators. Alternatively, system400 can be sold in sheet form to high-volume users of cosmeticapplicators, such as make-up artists, cosmetics salespersons, beautyparlors, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is generally shown a third alternativecosmetic applicator system 500, in accordance with a fifth alternativeembodiment of the present invention that is similar to the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 4. It should be appreciated that a die formanufacturing system 500 would have a surface configurationsubstantially identical to the depiction of FIG. 8.

Two wedge-shaped applicators 502, 504, respectively, are shown. However,in this view, operative surface 506 covers two major faces, 508, 510,respectively, as opposed to only one major face of applicators, 502,504, respectively. In this manner, more efficient use of operativesurface 506 can be achieved. By way of a non-limiting example, differentcosmetic materials can be applied to either major surface of operativesurface 506 without commingling occurring, thus obviating the need toremove surface layer 512 prematurely to apply another cosmetic material.By way of another non-limiting example, greater amounts of cosmeticmaterials can be removed by utilizing both of the major surfaces ofoperative surface 506, thus obviating the need to remove surface layer512 prematurely to remove additional amounts of cosmetic material.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is generally shown a fourth alternativecosmetic applicator 600, in accordance with a sixth alternativeembodiment of the present invention. In this view a cone-shapedconfiguration is shown, and is similar to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1. Applicator 600 includes a body 602, an operative surface 604, ascore 606, and an underlying surface 608. A layer of cosmetic material610 is shown applied to operative surface 604. The operation ofapplicator 600 is identical to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1. By wayof a non-limiting example, cosmetic material 610 is applied to operativesurface 604 and applied to the user's skin; soiled surface layer 612 isremoved from underlying surface 608 (see FIG. 10), thus exposingunderlying surface 608 (see FIG. 11) which can then be used to applymore cosmetic materials or remove the previously applied cosmeticmaterials.

Referring to FIG. 12, there is generally shown a fourth alternativecosmetic applicator system 700, in accordance with a seventh alternativeembodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that a diefor manufacturing system 700 would have a surface configurationsubstantially identical to the depiction of FIG. 12.

In this embodiment, system 700 includes a sheet 702 consisting of aplurality of applicators 704 that are removably joined together along aplurality of diagonal scores 706. The individual applicators 704 areprovided with scores 708 so as to form surface layers 710. In thismanner, the user can conveniently have multiple applicators that areremovably joined together, instead of having to carry individual or twinapplicators. Thus, the user simply separates applicator 704 from sheet702 by gently tearing along the requisite number of scores 706. The usercan then use applicator 704 to either apply and/or remove cosmeticmaterials, as previously described. In manufacturing the applicators ofthe present invention, it is preferred to utilize dies/forms that arecapable of producing sheets of applicators, and more preferably largesheets of applicators, as opposed to repetitively producing individualapplicators. Alternatively, system 700 can be sold in sheet form tohigh-volume users of cosmetic applicators, such as make-up artists,cosmetics salespersons, beauty parlors, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 13, there is generally shown a fifth alternativecosmetic applicator 800, in accordance with an eighth alternativeembodiment of the present invention. In this view a cone-shapedconfiguration is shown, and is similar to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 9. However, this embodiment differs in that there are two operativesurfaces 802, 804, respectively. Thus, operative surfaces 802, 804,respectively, can be sequentially removed during cosmetic materialapplication/removal procedures before reaching underlying surface 806.

Referring to FIG. 14, there is generally shown a sixth alternativecosmetic applicator 900, in accordance with a ninth alternativeembodiment of the present invention. In this view a wedge shapedconfiguration is shown, and is similar to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 4. However, this embodiment differs in that there is a plurality ofoperative surfaces 902. Thus, each individual operative surface 902 canbe sequentially removed during cosmetic material application/removalprocedures before reaching the respective underlying surfaces 904. FIG.14 shows two applicators. The applicators can preferably be separatedalong the scored centerline.

Referring to FIG. 15, there is generally shown a seventh alternativecosmetic applicator 1000, in accordance with a tenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention. In this view a wedge shapedconfiguration is shown, and is similar to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 8. However, this embodiment differs in that there is a plurality ofoperative surfaces 1002 that extend along the surface contours ofapplicator 1000. By way of a non-limiting example, each operativesurface 1002 includes end portions 1004, 1006, respectively, that formsharp and/or blunt edges, 1008, 1010, respectively. As with theembodiment depicted in FIG. 14, each individual operative surface 1002can be sequentially removed during cosmetic material application/removalprocedures before reaching the respective underlying surfaces 1012. FIG.15 shows two applicators. The applicators can preferably be separatedalong the scored centerline.

Referring to FIG. 16, there is generally shown an eighth alternativecosmetic applicator 1100, in accordance with an eleventh alternativeembodiment of the present invention. In this view a wedge shapedconfiguration is shown, and is similar to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 8. However, this embodiment differs in that there is a plurality ofoperative surfaces 1102 that extend along the surface contours of theapplicator 1000. By way of a non-limiting example, each operativesurface 1102 includes end portions 1104, 1106, respectively, that formtwo sharp edges, 1108, 1110, respectively. As with the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 14 and 15, each individual operative surface 1102 canbe sequentially removed during cosmetic material application/removalprocedures before reaching the respective underlying surfaces 1112. FIG.16 shows two applicators. The applicators can preferably be separatedalong the scored centerline.

Referring to FIG. 17, there is generally shown a die 1200 that isoperable to manufacture the various cosmetic applicators describedherein, in accordance with a twelfth alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. In this view, die 1200 includes three individual dieforms 1202, 1204, 1206, respectively, that are operable to form theapplicators depicted in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, respectively. However, itshould be appreciated that the present invention contemplates thatalternative dies may be used to manufacture any of the applicatorsdescribed herein, in accordance with the general teachings of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 18, there is shown a kit 1300 containing variouscosmetic applicators, in accordance with a thirteenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention. In this view, kit 1300 includesthree individual applicators 1302, 1304, 1306, respectively, that areidentical to the applicators depicted in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16,respectively. However, it should be appreciated that the presentinvention contemplates that alternative applicators described herein maybe included in the kit 1300, in accordance with the general teachings ofthe present invention. FIG. 18 shows two applicators. The applicatorscan preferably be separated along the scored centerline.

Referring to FIG. 19, there is shown a ninth alternative cosmeticapplicator 1400 containing a first cosmetic material 1402, in accordancewith a fourteenth alternative embodiment of the present invention. Inthis view, first cosmetic material 1402 has been applied to, disposedon, embedded in, or otherwise provided for on or in one or moreoperative surfaces 1404 of applicator 1400.

Referring to FIG. 20, there is shown a tenth alternative cosmeticapplicator 1500 containing a second cosmetic material 1502, inaccordance with a fifteenth alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. In this view, second cosmetic material 1502 has been appliedto, disposed on, embedded in, or otherwise provided for on or in one ormore operative surfaces 1504 of the applicator 1500.

Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown an eleventh alternative cosmeticapplicator 1600 containing both first and second cosmetic materials1402, 1502, respectively, in accordance with a sixteenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention. In this view, both first and secondcosmetic materials 1402, 1502, respectively, have been applied to,disposed on, embedded in, or otherwise provided for on or in one or moreoperative surfaces 1602 of applicator 1600.

Referring to FIGS. 22-26, there is shown an illustrative method forusing an eleventh alternative cosmetic applicator 1700, in accordancewith a seventeenth alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 22, applicator 1700 comprises a first section 1702containing both new and clean (i.e., unsoiled) operative surfaces 1704,respectively, in conjunction with a second section 1706 cosmeticmaterial containing operative surfaces 1708, respectively. However, itshould be appreciated that the following description of the intended useof the present invention can be applied to any type of applicator orapplicator system described herein.

Referring to FIG. 23, section 1702 is preferably removed from section1706 by pulling the respective sections apart, to expose the respectiveoperative surfaces 1704, 1708. Thus, operative surfaces 1704, 1708,respectively, can now be used to either apply cosmetics or removecosmetics, as the case may be.

Referring to FIG. 24, the top layer of each operative surface 1704,1708, respectively, has been preferably removed (e.g., by peeling) toexpose first underlying operative surface, 1704A, 1708A, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 25, the first underlying operative surfaces 1704A,1708A, respectively, have been preferably removed (e.g., by peeling) toexpose second underlying operative surfaces, 1704B, 1708B, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 26, the second underlying operative surfaces 1704B,1708B, respectively, have been preferably removed (e.g., by peeling) toexpose the underlying surfaces, 1710, 1712, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 27, there is generally shown a thirteenth alternativecosmetic applicator system 1800, in accordance with an eighteenthalternative embodiment of the present invention. It should beappreciated that a die for manufacturing system 1800 would have asurface configuration substantially identical to the depiction of FIG.27.

In this embodiment, system 1800 includes “twin” applicators, i.e., afirst applicator 1802 and a second applicator 1804 that are removablyjoined together along a scored centerline 1806. Each of applicators1802, 1804, respectively, are provided with a pair of scores 1808, 1810,1812, 1814, respectively, so as to form handle systems 1816, 1818,respectively. The handles 1816, 1818 can be separated from the body ofthe applicator and brought together in the manner shown in FIG. 28. Inthis manner, the user, after separating applicators 1802, 1804,respectively, can conveniently grasp the respective applicator by handlesystems, 1816, 1818, respectively, in order to avoid soiling his/herhands as best shown in FIG. 29. The applicators 1802, 1804 alsopreferably include a reasonable layer 1820, 1822, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 30, a fifth alternative cosmetic applicator system1900, which includes handle systems 1902, can be produced in multipleform as opposed to individual units, in accordance with a nineteenthalternative embodiment of the present invention. It should beappreciated that a die for manufacturing system 1900 would have asurface configuration substantially identical to the depiction of FIG.30.

Referring to FIG. 31, there is generally shown a sixth cosmeticapplicator system 2000, in accordance with a twentieth alternativeembodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that a diefor manufacturing system 2000 would have a surface configurationsubstantially identical to the depiction of FIG. 31.

In this embodiment, system 2000 includes a sheet 2002 consisting of aplurality of twin applicators 2004 (similar to the embodiment depictedin FIG. 30) that are removably joined together along a plurality ofhorizontal and vertical scores 2006. However, as previously shown inprevious embodiments, each individual applicator 208 is provided with apair of scores 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, respectively, so as to formhandle systems, 2018, 2020, respectively. In this manner, the user canconveniently have multiple applicators that are removably joinedtogether, instead of having to carry individual or twin applicators.Thus, the user simply separates twin applicator 2004 from the sheet 2002by gently tearing along the requisite number of scores 2006. The twinapplicator 2004 can then be further separated into the individualapplicators 2008, as previously described. The user can then useapplicator 2008 to either apply and/or remove cosmetic materials, aspreviously described. In manufacturing the applicators of the presentinvention, it is preferred to utilize dies/forms that are capable ofproducing large sheets of applicators, as opposed to repetitivelyproducing individual applicators. Alternatively, system 2000 can be soldin sheet form to high-volume users of cosmetic applicators, such asmake-up artists, cosmetics salespersons, beauty parlors, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 32-34, the applicators depicted in FIGS. 27-31 canalso be shaped in cone-like or pyramidal-like configurations, inaccordance with a twenty-first alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. These applicators 2100 can be produced individually (see FIG.32, fourteenth alternative cosmetic applicator 2102), in multiples (seeFIG. 33, seventh alternative cosmetic applicator system 2104) and inpluralities (e.g., sheets) (see FIG. 34, eighth alternative cosmeticapplicator system 2106). It should be appreciated that a die formanufacturing applicators 2100 would have a surface configurationsubstantially identical to the depiction of FIGS. 32-34.

Referring to FIG. 35, there is generally shown a die 2200 that isoperable to manufacture the various cosmetic applicators describedherein, in accordance with a twenty-second alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. In this view, die 2200 includes a “twin” die form2202. However, it should be appreciated that the present inventioncontemplates that alternative dies may be used to manufacture any of theapplicators described herein, in accordance with the general teachingsof the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 36, there is shown a kit 2300 containing variouscosmetic applicators, in accordance with a twenty-third alternativeembodiment of the present invention. In this view, kit 2300 includes a“twin” applicator 2302. However, it should be appreciated that thepresent invention contemplates that alternative applicators describedherein may be included in kit 2300, in accordance with the generalteachings of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 37, the selectively peelable operative surface aspectand the selectively operable handle aspect of the present invention canbe combined in a fifteenth alternative cosmetic applicator 2400, inaccordance with a twenty-fourth alternative embodiment of the presentinvention.

In this view, the applicator 2400 includes at least one operativesurface 2402 that defines a surface layer 2406, a score 2404, anunderlying surface 2408, and a pair of scores 2410, 2412, respectively,that form a handle system 2414. It should be appreciated that a die formanufacturing applicator 2400 would have a surface configurationsubstantially identical to the depiction of FIG. 37. It should also beappreciated that applicator 2400 could be incorporated into a kit,either with identical applicators or alternative applicatorconfigurations.

The applicator 2400 would be used substantially the same as previouslydescribed embodiments. By way of a non-limiting example, applicator 2400could be used to apply/remove cosmetics with operative surface 2402and/or underlying surface 2408, as the case may be, while the usersimultaneously grasps applicator 2400 by handle system 2414.

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, the applicator depicted in FIG. 37 canalso be produced in multiples (see FIG. 38, ninth alternative cosmeticapplicator system 2500) and in pluralities (e.g., sheets) (see FIG. 39,tenth alternative cosmetic applicator system 2600). It should beappreciated that a die for manufacturing systems 2500 and 2600,respectively, will have surface configurations substantially identicalto the depiction of FIGS. 38 and 39, respectively. It should also beappreciated that either of systems 2500 and/or 2600 can be incorporatedinto a kit, either with identical applicator systems or alternativeapplicator system configurations.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments above are shown in theFigures to have a single removable layer and some show no removablelayers. It will be appreciated that any of the embodiments may includeone or more removable layers.

The foregoing embodiments and examples are to be consideredillustrative, rather than restrictive of the invention, and thosemodifications, which come within the meaning and range of equivalence ofthe claims, are to be included therein.

1. A cosmetic applicator, comprising: a body; and at least one removablelayer adjacent to the body.
 2. A cosmetic applicator as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said removable layer is detachably retained on saidbody.
 3. A cosmetic applicator as set forth in claim 1 furthercomprising a plurality of removable layers.
 4. A cosmetic applicator asset forth in claim 1 further comprising a handle portion secured to saidbody.
 5. A cosmetic applicator as set forth in claim 4 wherein saidhandle portion is integral with said body.
 6. A cosmetic applicator asset forth in claim 1 wherein said removable layer includes a cosmeticmaterial.
 7. A cosmetic applicator as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidremovable layer comprises foam.
 8. A cosmetic applicator, comprising: abody; and at least one removable operative surface adjacent to the body.9. A cosmetic applicator as set forth in claim 8 wherein said operativesurface is detachably retained on said body.
 10. A cosmetic applicatoras set forth in claim 8 further comprising a plurality of operativesurfaces.
 11. A cosmetic applicator as set forth in claim 8 furthercomprising a handle portion secured to said body.
 12. A cosmeticapplicator as set forth in claim 11 wherein said handle portion isintegral with said body.
 13. A cosmetic applicator as set forth in claim8 wherein said operative surface includes a cosmetic material.
 14. Acosmetic applicator as set forth in claim 8 wherein said operativesurfaces comprises foam.
 15. A method for making a cosmetic applicator,comprising: providing a body; and providing at least one removable layeradjacent to the body.
 16. A method as set forth in claim 15 furthercomprising scoring the applicator to create the removable layer.
 17. Amethod as set forth in claim 15 further comprising scoring theapplicator to create a handle portion on the base.
 18. A method as setforth in claim 16 further comprising applying a cosmetic material in theremovable layer.
 19. A method as set forth in claim 15 furthercomprising scoring the applicator to create a plurality of removablelayers.
 20. A method for making a cosmetic applicator, comprising:providing a body; and providing at least one removable operative surfaceadjacent to the body.
 21. A method as set forth in claim 20 furthercomprising scoring the applicator to create the operative surface.
 22. Amethod as set forth in claim 20 further comprising scoring theapplicator to create a handle portion on the base.
 23. A method as setforth in claim 21 further comprising applying a cosmetic material in theoperative surface.
 24. A method as set forth in claim 20 furthercomprising scoring the applicator to create a plurality of operativesurfaces.
 25. A method of using a cosmetic applicator including a baseand at least one removable layer comprising: applying a cosmeticmaterial to the removable layer on the applicator; applying the cosmeticmaterial on a user; and removing the removable layer.
 26. A method asset forth in claim 25 further comprising detaching a portion of the baseto provide a handle for the applicator.
 27. A method of using a cosmeticapplicator including a base and at least one removable layer comprising:contacting the applicator with a user to apply cosmetic material to theremovable layer; and removing the removable layer.
 28. A method as setforth in claim 27 further comprising detaching a portion of the base toprovide a handle for the applicator.